Quote of the Day
At a Glance
- Time: 2-3 minutes
- Prep: Minimal (select quote)
- Group: Individual then pairs
- Setting: Any classroom
- Subjects: Universal
- Energy: Low
Purpose
Quote of the Day activates critical thinking and connects upcoming content to broader themes or personal experience through brief reflection on a carefully chosen quotation.
How It Works
Step-by-step instructions:
- DISPLAY QUOTE (10 seconds) - Show quote related to today's topic or theme
- SILENT REFLECTION (1 minute) - Students jot down reaction, connection, or question
- TURN AND TALK (1.5 minutes) - Partners share their thinking
What to Say
Opening: "Here's today's quote. Read it silently, then write: What does this mean to you? How might it connect to what we're learning?"
During: "Think about your own experience. What examples from your life relate to this idea?"
Closing: "Turn to your neighbor and share one thought about this quote. You have 90 seconds."
Why It Works
Quotes provide a cognitive hook that activates schema and emotional connections. The ambiguity of quotes requires interpretation, which engages higher-order thinking and creates multiple entry points for diverse learners.
Research Citation: Marzano, 2004 (Building Background Knowledge)
Teacher Tip
Choose quotes with multiple interpretations rather than obvious meanings. Ambiguity sparks richer discussion and surfaces diverse perspectives.
Variations
For Different Subjects
- Math/Science: "In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them." - von Neumann
- Humanities: Use primary sources or literary quotes relevant to unit
- Universal: Quotes about learning, perseverance, or growth mindset
For Different Settings
- Large Class (30+): After pair share, ask 2-3 volunteers to share with whole class
- Small Group (5-15): Go around circle for quick popcorn responses
For Different Ages
- Elementary (K-5): Shorter quotes or thought-provoking pictures with caption
- Middle/High School (6-12): Standard format with written reflection
- College/Adult: More complex philosophical or discipline-specific quotes
Online Adaptation
Tools Needed: Slide with quote, chat function
Setup: Display quote in main screen
Instructions:
- Students read quote and write reaction in chat
- Read 3-4 responses aloud
- Connect to today's lesson
Pro Tip: Use Padlet so students can comment on each other's interpretations asynchronously.
Troubleshooting
Challenge: Students say "I don't get it" Solution: Reframe: "That's okay—what might it mean? Take a guess."
Challenge: Quote feels disconnected from lesson Solution: Bridge explicitly: "Notice how this quote relates to [today's topic] because..."
Extension Ideas
- Deepen: "Rewrite this quote in your own words"
- Connect: Throughout lesson, revisit quote: "How does what we just learned connect?"
- Follow-up: End-of-class exit ticket: "How do you feel about this quote now?"
Related Activities: Image Prompt, See-Think-Wonder, Turn and Talk